Hotrod Computer Joystick

This post is a review on the HanaHo Games Hotrod Joystick.

The HotRod Joystick is an arcade-type joystick for computers. It is designed to look like original full size arcade games you used to find at your local gas stations and such -- whatever happened to those? :(. Anyways, the Hotrod is connected to your computer via a PS2 keyboard port on the back of your computer tower. If you don't have a PS/2 port, there are PS/2 to USB converters that are cheap and can be picked up at just about any local electronics shop.

This computer joystick was designed for the explicit purpose of playing old arcade games, and it does it spectacularly well. One of the reasons it exceeds so well in this category is because it uses real, commercial grade arcade components that look at feel like the real thing.

One thing that really sets this computer joystick apart from the rest is the fact that you can play with more than one player, so you can play with (or against) your best buddy. Also, you can play games that need to utilize both joysticks for full control and precision.

If your into the whole "old-style arcade games -- thing" then you'll definitely want to take advantage of this amazing PS/2 ported computer joystick. Also, fyi, all of your old favorites can be found with a little searching online for ROM emulators. Overall this is a great computer joystick and really inspires a sense of nostalgia.

Logitech Attack 3 USB Computer Joystick

This post is a review on the Logitech Attack 3 USB Joystick.

The Attack 3 is a purely minimalistic, Mac and Windows compatible, USB ported, budget computer joystick. When Logitech constructed the Attack, they took only the basic features that every joystick must have and made a cheap, but extremely reliable joystick.

The Attack has 11 programmable buttons and a rapid fire trigger. Like always it has included with it the Logitech Profiler software which makes it almost too easy to assign specific tasks and keystrokes to certain buttons.

This joystick has a symmetrical handle so it will fit either a right or left hand, which would be infinitely easier than using your off-hand if you were born left handed. It also comes with, like all Logitechs, comes with a one year warranty (even though I suspect you won't need it).

In conclusion, if your in need of a computer joystick to "tide you over" until you get enough cash to score a new one, then this joystick just might be for you. Or, if your just an extremely frugal spender and still don't want to sacrifice quality, then this joystick just might be for you!

Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Computer Joystick

This post is a review on the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick.

The 3D Pro is a Mac and Windows compatible USB ported joystick. It's design is used primarily in flying type games such as Microsoft's Flight Simulator X and can even be used in games like Battlefield 2 to pilot jets and helicopters.

This computer joystick comes (like all Logitech joysticks) the Logitech Profiler software which can be used to easily assign different actions or commands to specific keys. Logitech's Profiler software isn't anything revolutionary but it definitely gets the job done (Especially considering the Extreme 3D Pro is a 20-30USD joystick).

This joystick is pretty "basic" in all categories, but it does whatever "basic" task it has quite well. This controller is meant for those who still want to have a lot of fun with this type of controller but don't want to pay an arm and a leg.

The 3D Pro has 12 conveniently placed buttons, eight-way hat switch, twist-able handle, and rapid-fire trigger. Its not the best in the style department, but it will definitely suffice for the average or budget conscious buyer.

Overall, if you are looking for a solid computer joystick that will not break in a few weeks and be compatible with all the current games and your computer, you should take the Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick into consideration.

Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless Computer Joystick

This post is a review on the Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless USB Joystick.

The Logitech Freedom 2.4 joystick is made with flying games in mind (But definitely not limited to). The "2.4" in the name stands for 2.4 GHz which is the wireless part of the joystick which gives you 20 feet of uninterrupted range without lag or dropouts. The Freedom's smooth, brushed aluminum highlights really sets off this joystick. The wireless on this model really comes in handy when you have a cramped setup like myself, or you just want to have top of the line equipment (For some reason it feels much better to gun down an enemy on wireless than it does with wired =D).

This great computer joystick works an extremely long time without needing a change in batteries (at least 50 hours of gameplay with the three included AA batteries). It has great response and has 10 programmable buttons. Also, another thing I have to commend on this unit is the way it feels in your hand; it really feels good and my hand doesn't tire after long periods of time holding it. This is probably because of the great intuitive button placement that really helps the game "suck you in."

This joystick works with both Macs and PCs, so no matter what your platform it is sure to work.

Overall, this is a great joystick for flying games and the like. Even though it has a few small flaws, they can be easily overlooked because of the price and how great a product it is. If your looking for a new computer joystick then you should seriously consider the Logitech Freedom 2.4 Cordless USB Joystick.

Saitek X52 Flight USB Computer Joystick

This post is a review on the Saitek X52 Flight Control USB Joystick.

As the above picture shows, the Saitek X52 joystick is a controller that was built specifically for flying games. It was created based off of valuable customer feedback from the X36 and X45 models and I must say it addresses all of the problems with the previous models flawlessly. This flight joystick features 23 buttons, three 8-way hat switches and seven control axes for perfect movement control. Also, the throttle and the joystick are separate which I find extremely useful on my small, cramped computer desk.

Look at the software part of things; the X52 also includes programming software that allows to to customize the joystick to suit your specific needs. This practically eliminates the need for a keyboard during your flying games; keeping your hands right on the joystick, where they should be.

Moving on, this flight joystick looks great. It has many of beautiful blue buttons and an illuminated blue display which is great for all of those low-light setups and past midnight gaming. It uses the standard USB interface and leaves very little to be desired.

Overall this is a brilliant computer joystick for flying games like Microsoft's Flight Simulator. Although, there are two things which kind of disappointed me: No wireless support or force feedback. But those can be easily be overlooked when you take in the big picture of this great computer joystick.

XBOX 360 Computer Joysticks

Joysticks specifically designed for the XBOX 360 console do exist, and can be purchased from almost any XBOX-specific gaming accessory dealer. Most XBOX 360 joysticks are usually in the "arcade" style of layout. That is, they have around six round, glossy face buttons and an old fashion arcade-style joystick.

Some specific models of 360 joysticks are the Dead or Alive 4 branded joystick and the XBOX 360 Live joystick. These are both arcade style joysticks; and concerning the layout of these joysticks, they would leave much to be desired in driving or flying type games (Not for use in Flight Simulator X).

If your looking into playing driving games on your 360, there are a few steering wheel joysticks available which would put you right in the middle of the action of your favorite game. But lastly, if your looking at intense "flying-centered" games, (like Microsoft's Flight Simulator X) you should look into getting the game for the PC and using a USB or PS2 computer joystick because the experience will just not be the same without the correct airplane pilot-type controller.

Computer Flight Simulator Joysticks

Flight Simulator joysticks are joysticks that are used primarily in Microsoft's line of flight simulators (the newest one being the award winning and amazing game: Flight Simulator X).

Flight simulator joysticks are usually shaped and formed like a regular pilots steering controls. Having controls so similar to the real thing really helps the person playing the game experience the game to its full effect; You really feel like you are part of the action.

These special joysticks can be purchased from many online retailers and local retailers (Best Buy and so on). Doing a quick internet search for them will yield a plethora of information, reviews, and products. In order to pick the right joystick, you should make sure to get the best price to performance ratio unless you want your new joystick breaking in the middle of a firefight. So remember, when looking for a flight simulator joystick make sure to check product ratings and descriptions for every single product you are considering purchasing.

Computer Analog Joysticks

An analog joystick is basically just a fancy term for a slightly more-than-average, cream of the crop-type of joystick. Hopefully this will make sense to you: analog joysticks works by returning an angle measure of the movement in any direction or plane. No? Well read on.

This type of joystick is used primarily in commercial operations. As I mentioned in another post, a good example of this would be a crane operator and the controls he uses to maneuver huge metal support beams.

On another note, if you are in the market for analog joysticks, you may want to take a look at my industrial joysticks article. Basically the two terms (industrial and analog) are interchangeable in the joystick business. You have to buy both of them in bulk and both come in all shapes, sizes, and specifications.

Analog joysticks are meant for work type procedures. So, unfortunately, there are not very many analog joysticks that are compatible with mainstream flying or driving games.

Industrial Computer Joysticks

Industrial joysticks are joysticks that are used in commercial jobs.

For example, imagine something like a construction crane lifting a huge support beam up to the very top of a new building under construction. If your going to have maximum control over that huge beam, four arrow keys just isn't going to cut it. Thats where industrial joysticks come into play.

Industrial joysticks allow crane operators and other professionals to have the pinpoint precision they require in difficult and dangerous jobs like the one described above. One wrong move and you might send it falling hundreds of feet onto an unsuspecting worker.

Usually you have to buy industrial joysticks in bulk from commercial suppliers. Your local best buy isn't going to have any in stock. Save yourself a major headache and do some research and check out some reviews before buying your industrial joysticks. If you mess up a simple specification or something similar you could have some very big liability down the road. Make sure you put a lot of research into getting the correct industrial joystick for the job.

USB Computer Joysticks

USB Joysticks are the most common form of joysticks used with computers. They are plugged into the rectangular ports on the back (and sometimes front or top) of your computer.

The reason the USB interface is internationally used is because it makes it very convenient and simple to configuring and install a USB joystick. For most joysticks there are two versions: a PS2 port version for those who have an older computer with that certain port and the USB version. If you have both I would suggest going with the USB joystick version because it will usually save you a few headaches should something go wrong with the compatibility. Another reason you might want to choose the USB is if you plan on using the joystick with another computer at your friends house or something, you probably wont have access to another PS2 port; but 99.9% of the time, you WILL have access to another USB port for your USB joystick.

Computer joysticks can be used for many different types of applications and having a USB joystick instead of a PS2 ported one will make it a lot easier for your existing equipment and setup to go together fast and smoothly with your newly purchased USB joystick.

PS2 Computer Joysticks

PS2 Joysticks can refer to one of two things. Either a joystick meant for the Playstation 2 console, or it is also a port similar to a USB port. The PS2 port can have keyboards and mice plugged into them as well as joysticks, but is being phased out in newer computer models because of some slight compatibility problems.

There are quite a few playstation 2 joysticks that would suit most user's needs. The only downfall is that most of them are situated and formed like a driver's steering wheel, making it extremely difficult to play flying or shooting games.

PS2 ported joysticks are also plentiful. For almost every USB joystick there is a PS2 version that offers all of the same features and performance as it's counterpart.

I recommend shopping around on online retailers and doing some research of your own when looking for a PS2 joystick. You want to get the best price to performance ratio on your new PS2 computer joystick and not end up with a piece of junk.

Computer Joysticks

This blog will be entirely dedicated to computer joysticks. There will be articles discussing advantages and disadvantages of USB joysticks and PS2 joysticks. Also, I will add articles noting you should purchase this brand or type of joystick, etc.

Articles based on which joystick would be most advantageous to use with specific joysticks will be posted (such as flight simulator joysticks). XBOX 360 joysticks will be covered.

Commercial use joysticks will get their own articles. These will include analog joysticks and industrial joysticks.

Hopefully you look forward to this blog and come back to it time and again. This blog will help you determine which computer joystick is right for the thing you want to do.